So What Is Heartburn, Really?
Have you ever had a painful, burning feeling in your chest? Sometimes it is just below the breastbone, sometimes a bit higher. It can even cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth or throat, or pain in the neck, throat, or jaw. Or it can cause a chronic cough, or lead one to consider asthma as a cause.
It often happens after overindulgence in a big meal. Sometimes it happens more when one lies down, or coughs, or bends over. All in all, it is a very unpleasant sensation - if you've had it, you never forget it and hope you don't get it again anytime soon.
What Is Heartburn Not Caused By?
If you are wondering what heartburn is caused by, ironically it has got nothing to do with the heart despite being called "heartburn". It is called "heartburn" because the pain is often near where the heart is located. It actually doesn't have anything at all to do with the heart itself. Another reason (other than location) for the confusion is that what heartburn is caused by is usually the fact that hydrochloric acid from the stomach is coming back up the esophagus due to a problem with the cardiac sphincter - which is a valve that contains the word "cardiac" - which refers to the heart.
What Is Heartburn Really Caused By?
Heartburn is what happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes, allowing the gastric acid to return to the esophagus. Normally, this sphincter holds tight. (Though it can relax for common reasons, like when swallowing) The LES, along with the rhythm of peristalsis moves food along until the stomach empties. Occasionally, the process doesn't work so well, and the stomach contents along with gastric acid can flow back up to the esophagus, causing burning. This is also known as reflux.
Food Groups
Many times, the heartburn is exacerbated by eating certain foods or drinks. Some of these are: spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato sauces, coffee, chocolate, and peppermint. One can avoid these foods by eating more bread, potatoes, apples, and other such non-irritating foods. Also, eating smaller meals is known to help, as it is less likely to put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. Also eating less quickly can help; taking your time to put down your fork between bites can be a good way to remember to take your time eating.
One should also avoid alcohol and smoking, as these also are irritants to the body and can cause heartburn. Chewing gum, which helps the body produce saliva, can be chewed after meals, along with drinking lukewarm water to help the digestive process. By staying upright, instead of lying down, for a few hours can also help.
